There
are many people who are allergic to cat dander. But, did you know that
cats also have allergies, too? There are numerous foods, household
products and other items that cats can have allergic reactions to. It is
estimated that at least fifteen percent of all cats in the United States
suffer from some form of allergy. Cats who suffer from allergies can be
treated in much the same way as humans.
Just as humans suffer different types of allergies, cats can also suffer
from several types. For example, cats can have inhalant allergies, which
are allergic reactions caused by airborne articles, such as pollen or
household sprays or chemicals. These types of allergies can irritate the
nasal passages, eyes and lungs. Cats can also have contact allergies
that can be caused by prolonged contact with a certain substance. Food
allergies and fleas are another cause for allergic reactions in cats.

Inhalant
Allergies: Pollen and other airborne articles can cause allergic
reactions in cats. Just as they do in people, airborne allergies can
cause cats to sneeze and have runny, watery eyes. Cats can experience
irritated nasal passages and upper respiratory problems. Common airborne
articles that can cause reaction in some cats are household aerosols and
sprays. Many people do not realize it, but spraying these types of
products around some cats can cause breathing difficulties and eye
infections. If your cat has these types of allergies, your vet will
recommend that you keep the kitty indoors, away from pollen, and can
prescribe medications to help with the reactions. For cats that have
problems with the eyes, a prescription eye drop can be given.

Contact
Allergies: Cats can have allergic reactions to items that they come
in contact with. The most common form of contact allergies in cats is
due to exposure to certain plants. These often include plants that have
oily leaves such as rubber plants. Other forms for contact allergies in
cats can include carpet cleaners or fresheners, wool, dust in the home,
newsprint, house cleaners, carpet and even cat litter. Usually a cat
that suffers from contact allergies will experience itching and
discomfort on the skin. There could be skin eruptions, such as hives or
bumps on the skin or dermatitis. In some cases, the fur could fall out
causing dry, itchy patches on the cat's skin. Usually, contact allergies
that cause problem are more noticeable on the chin, ears, inner thighs,
abdomen, and underneath the tail. If you suspect that your cat is
experiencing contact allergies, the first step is to take your cat to
the vet to determine the cause and course of treatment. The vet will
usually recommend a skin patch test to determine the cause and prescribe
a topical solution to help the itching. Sometimes, a steroid shot can be
given if the case is extreme.

Food
Allergies: Cats can be allergic to certain types of foods. While it
is true that cats should never be given table foods, some cats can also
be allergic to certain types of cat foods. Common allergies to foods are
cat foods that contain certain poultry products such as turkey or
chicken. Extreme caution should be used when feeding your cat table
food. Cats should never be given chocolate and many times dairy products
can cause problems with a cat's digestive system. Prescription foods can
be given to a cat that experiences food allergies.

Insect
Allergies: Fleas top the number one list of what most cats are
allergic to. These little biting critters can irritate your cat's skin
and can cause excessive itching and scratching. Some cats that are
allergic to fleas will have patches of fur that fall out or small bumps
on the skin. In addition, black “dirt” may be visible on your cat.
This is a sign of fleas and your cat should be treated. If your cat has
an allergic reaction to fleas, the first thing you must do it treat the
allergies. You vet can prescribe medications or topical solutions to
ease the itching and heal the skin. After this is under control, the
next step is to treat your cat for the fleas. You vet can prescribe a
good treatment that is given at intervals on the cat's skin. Over the
counter flea treatments often do not work as well as the prescription.
Treating your home for fleas is also a must to ensure that they will not
re-infect your cat.

Dealing With Cat Allergies

Cats are one of the
most loved pets in the world, no question about it. More than 50% of
all households in the United States own dogs and cats. Although cats
are loved animals, cat allergies are one of the common forms of
allergies. Statistics in the past have shown that over 10 million
people in the U.S. alone have allergic reactions to cats - especially
their fur.

The biggest cause
of cat allergies is dander. The dander, is dust that is produced by the
body of the cat. Dander is basically shed skin that comes off of cats,
normally in the form of small flakes. Although dander can irritate your
skin, it can also get into your immune system as well, resulting in a
variety of symptoms and almost immediate allergic reactions.

The dander, once in
the immune system, is perceived to be a threat. Even though it
isn’t classified as a disease, it’s more of a reflex by
your body and your immune system. Cat allergies occur quite often due
to cats having allergens that are spread throughout their blood, urine,
and saliva. Although a cat may not be present at the time, the
excretions probably still are.

Cat dander, urine,
and saliva, are found throughout the home of cat owners. Cats
constantly groom themselves, which involves rubbing their saliva into
their fur. When they do this, they spread their dander and allergens
around. Although you may try, there is really nothing that you can do
about it. Cats have a natural instinct to groom or bathe themselves, no
matter how many baths you give them, you simply won’t stop them
from grooming.

Normally, when
someone is taking an allergic reaction to cats, he or she will wheeze,
cough, sneeze, itch, have watery eyes, or a difficult time in
breathing. Different people react different ways to cat allergens,
meaning that some symptoms may not occur at all. Fever and chills is
very rare, although it can happen. If someone who has cat allergies
comes down with fever and chills, you should contact a doctor
immediately. Chances are, it isn’t an allergic reaction to cats,
but instead another type of disease that a doctor will need to identify.

Cat allergies are
normally treated with antihistamines and decongestants. Those that
experience asthma attacks or other forms of allergies, normally take
antihistamines. Decongestants on the other hand, are normally used to
cure coughs and swollen nasal passages. Sometimes, doctors will
recommend allergy shots as well. Allergy shots can help to prevent the
attack, especially if someone is really allergic to cats. They are a
good form of treatment and prevention, and they can also help to
decrease the risk of allergies affecting the individual.

If you suspect that
you have cat allergies, you should always make it a point to visit your
doctor. He will be able to further diagnose your situation, and give
you the best options available for treatment. If you do indeed suffer
from cat allergies, the best way to stop the attacks is to get rid of
your cat.

Getting rid of a
cat can be a very tough thing to do. If you have become allergic to
your cat’s fur, there may be no other way to prevent attacks than
to get rid of him. Although doctors can give you medicine and shots, it
will only do so much. Cat allergens are no fun, especially if you
develop them years after owning your cat. Cats are great animals to own
- although cat allergies are something we could all live without.